Construction World August 2015

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CONCRETE EXPERTISE imperative An in-depth knowledge of concrete technology The target audience for the course includes qualified and experienced civil engineers, cement chemists, the full spectrum of cement and concrete industries, as well as the

leadership positions in South Africa, " Theo- dosiou states. "Concrete is one of the most widely used materials in infrastructural construction all around the world. Yet many civil engineers – regardless of their professional field of prac- tice and past general experience – still do not have sufficient state-of-the art knowledge to take full advantage of the many benefits of concrete as a building material – and also understand its limitations. "It has, with some justification, been said that civil engineers 'build the world'. Certainly, when in a decision-making consulting capacity, civil engineers carry tremendous responsibility for the design and construction of multi-million rand dams, bridges, buildings, canals, roads, and pipelines to name just a few type of projects. Failure of some of these structures would not only be costly but also disastrous to neigh- bouring communities. A key factor to prevent such devastating failures is knowledge of concrete technology, and how to build durable, safe concrete structures. "Consulting engineers should, for example, know that the serviceability and performance of concrete depend not only on its strength but also on its durability. They should understand the limitations of concrete with respect to durability issues. Generally, the present day civil engineer should be fully familiar with concrete science. The Advanced Concrete Technology course helps to provide this essential knowledge," Theodosiou adds. The ACT course covers about 75 topics, including essential training for civil engineers in subjects like principles of reinforced and pre-stressed concrete, assessment of concrete construction, special processes and technology for particular types of structures, repairing concrete, Quality Control, and standards, specifications and Codes of Practice.

> tute of Concrete Technology. The ICT is a professional affiliate body of the UK Engineering Council and promotes concrete technology as a recognised engineering discipline. The School of Concrete Technology in Midrand – the only training institution in Africa sanctioned to present the respected ACT course – offers ACT training every two years and over the past 24 years, 77 students have passed the demanding course and received ACT diplomas. "In many instances, the ACT Diploma has been a major career stepping stone for past students who now occupy important academic and industrial is important for civil engineers to perform key construction projects adequately and responsibly, says Gary Theodosiou, lecturer at The Concrete Institute's School of Concrete Technology which will be presenting another Advanced Concrete Technology (ACT) course from January 2016. The ACT course, which is globally accepted as the leading qualifi- cation in concrete technology, is examined by the UK-based Insti-

mining sector. Delegates who pass a specific research thesis and successfully complete two three-hour examinations will receive the ACT diploma and qualify for corporate membership of the ICT. Recommended entrance requirements is an appropriate qualification in civil engi- neering or any other appropriate branch of science and technology. Successful comple- tion of the School of Concrete Technology's SCT 41 and 42 Concrete Technology and Construction correspondence courses, aimed at improving concrete technology knowledge of civil engineering technicians or engineers, and other appropriate qualifications could also facilitate admission to the course. For more information about the ACT course, contact Course Administrator, Rennisha Sewnarain via email: rennishas@theconcreteinstitute.org.za

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Gary Theodosiou, lecturer at The School of Concrete Technology.

CONSTRUCTION WORLD AUGUST 2015 I